CHI 2026 full paper is now available in the ACM Digital Library.
Haowei Xu
Human-Computer Interaction researcher
exploring how generative AI can support collaboration.
PhD Student at Open Lab, Newcastle University. My work sits at the intersection of HCI, CSCL, educational technology, and human-AI collaboration.
- CSCW
- Generative AI
- Educational Technology
- Human-AI Collaboration
I am a PhD student in Human-Computer Interaction at Open Lab, Newcastle University, UK, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Kharrufa. My research investigates the intersection of generative artificial intelligence and educational technology, with particular emphasis on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and human-computer interaction in educational contexts. I also serve as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Computing.
My academic journey includes an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction with Distinction from the University of Nottingham (2022) and a BEng in Computer Science and Technology from Chengdu University of Information Technology (2021), where I was affiliated with the Interactive Media Studio. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), recognizing my commitment to teaching excellence. I have gained industry experience in educational technology product development and operations.
Latest news
Awarded Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Published a paper at HCII 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Presented the prototype "AI for Group" at ECSCW 2025 in Newcastle, UK.
Published a paper at Chinese CHI 2024 in Shenzhen, China.
Joined Newcastle University Open Lab as a PhD student.
Publications
AI as an Agent and Collaborative Space: Exploring the role of Generative AI in Small Group Synchronous and Asynchronous Collaborative Dynamics.
Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '26). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, Article 295, pp. 1-17.
GlobalUP: Leveraging Social Media to Provide Social Support for Chinese Cultural Groups in Unfamiliar Environments.
International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2025). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, pp. 395-408.
Collective Creation of Intimacy: Exploring the Cosplay Commission Practice within the Otome Game Community in China.
Proceedings of the Twelfth International Symposium of Chinese CHI, pp. 729-734.
Fish for Study: An Educational Game to Provide Motivation and Avoid Distractions from Mobile Devices during Learning.
INTED2023 Proceedings. IATED, Valencia, Spain, pp. 1954-1963.
Education
Chengdu University of Information Technology - BEng
University of Nottingham, UK - MSc in Human-Computer Interaction with Distinction
Newcastle University, UK - PhD in Computer Science (expected)
Awards & Recognition
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
Postgraduate Research Studentship (Fully funded PhD, Newcastle University)
MSc with Distinction - University of Nottingham
University Scholarship (Chengdu University of Information Technology)
First Prize - Sichuan Collegiate Computing Competition
Third Prize - 13th Chinese Collegiate Computing Competition
Excellence Award - 2nd China-Israel Hackathon Competition
UIST 2019 Student Innovation Competition (poster): CheChe - An Interactive Tracking Robot Group Based on Footprint Reproduction (Chen, Y., Xu, H., Xie, X., Deng, R., & Wu, Q.) [Poster]
University Scholarship (Chengdu University of Information Technology)
Professional Experience
Work Experience
Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, School of Computing, Newcastle University, UK
Internship Experience
Research Assistant Intern, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Product Operations Intern, Baicizhan (BaiCiZhan)
University Service
Undergraduate Research Intern, Interactive Media Studio (IMS)
Student Assistant Intern, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Chengdu University of Information Technology
Piano Accompanist, Faculty Choir, Chengdu University of Information Technology
Academic Service
Reviewer - ECSCW; Student Volunteer - HCII 2025; Student Volunteer - ECSCW 2025
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant - CSC1031 Fundamentals of Computing. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
Teaching Assistant - CSC1032 Computer Systems Design and Architectures. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
Teaching Assistant - CSC8022 Human Computer Interaction. Postgraduate, Newcastle University.
Teaching Assistant/Tutor - CSC3731 Human Computer Interaction. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
Life Beyond Research
A glimpse into my personal world
Hi, I'm Haowei. I am currently living in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Coincidentally, my name sounds almost the same as the Geordie word "Howay" - the one that means "let's go" or "come on". So yes, every time someone shouts "Howay, man!" on the street, I sometimes turn my head.
I am from Shijiazhuang, a city in northern China that we like to call a "small city" even though it is definitely not small. It is the kind of place where winter wind teaches you character, and hot noodles feel like a survival skill.
My Interests
I love music. I write and release songs as a NetEase Music artist. I also really enjoy musicals and opera.
I'm a Nintendo person, especially The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Sometimes I dance hip-hop - mostly to remind myself that my body exists outside my brain.
I believe in the simple pleasures of life: good food, cozy spaces, and the warmth of home.
My Simple Dream
My long-term life plan is simple: a home with a cat, a dog, sunlight, and enough time to slow-cook things.
Get in Touch
I am always interested in research collaborations, academic opportunities, and conversations with fellow researchers and students in the HCI community.
Contact Information
Institution
School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK